Class 5 Title Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regarding the large-class schools in Missouri, we have Lafayette, which has won 8 titles and been to the final four 11 times since 2007. But Class 5 isn't just Lafayette. Programs from Liberty North, Lee's Summit West, Nixa, Ozark, and Howell have all made Class 5 the most challenging class in the state. This year, the field is more open than ever before, so can a newcomer sneak in and win its first Class 5 title? Here's my pick of the top 5 teams this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lafayette 36-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Witherspoon sisters have been attacking opponents for years, and this year will be no different. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153929' first='Maya' last='Witherspoon']</strong> in her last season at Lafayette before heading off to Vanderbilt, she would like to finish her career with three state titles. Helping her will be sis <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon']</strong>, a 6'3" punisher on the pins, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207267' first='Kira' last='Dufner']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207268' first='Mackie' last='Mueller']</strong> in the middle. The most significant issue will be the replacement of the setter and libero. Will <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272167' first='Hailey' last='Lowery']</strong>, <strong>Megan Muschick</strong>, or <strong>Addy Wiese</strong> get the nobs in their respective positions? Either way, when it comes to playoffs, you NEVER look past the Lancers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lee's Summit West 27-10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219779' first='Delaney' last='Rhoden']</strong> and <strong>Taelyn Bowie</strong> return to run a potent offense for the Titans. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493090' first='Kamryn' last='McDonald'], [player_tooltip player_id='349614' first='Bella' last='Bishop']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446328' first='Tori' last='Massengill']</strong> are returning to the pins. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506195' first='Lainee' last='Mustain']</strong> should be in full swing at libero this season. LSW has been a top program in the state since the school opened in 2004. Keep an eye out for the Titans come playoffs; they seem always to be playing their best ball in late October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ozark 29-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ozark has been one of the top programs in the SWMO area for a long time and has enough returning to be dangerous come playoff time. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237807' first='Reece' last='Cook']</strong>, the talented Tiger setter, returns for her final season and 2131 career assists. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208388' first='Macy' last='Humble']</strong> is the team's digging machine, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219778' first='Tara' last='Venable']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219783' first='Skylar' last='Hilton']</strong>, and <strong>Aubrey Browning</strong> will be the main offensive threats. Ozark is looking to return to the final four for the first time since 2017.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Incarnate Word Academy 31-10-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 4 Champions will likely be in Class 5 this year because of the success factor. IWA must be at the top of the game in late October to win Class 5. Anything is possible when you have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='169895' first='Tara' last='Greenberry']</strong> on your team and her 1390 career kills and 252 blocks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='169896' first='Ellie' last='Witthaus']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475326' first='Bailey' last='Hensgens']</strong> are the other two returning attackers from last season's championship team. <strong>Sydney Clark</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245321' first='Cate' last='McCulloch']</strong> should see a ton of playing time this season on either pin. Defensively, the Red Knights are solid, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244664' first='Ally' last='Fuchs'], [player_tooltip player_id='475328' first='Audrey' last='Schaeffer']</strong>, and <strong>Ella von Almen</strong> back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liberty 20-9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153930' first='Abigail' last='Mullen']</strong>, the USC commit, highlights the roster at Liberty and has been looking to get her team in the first final four since 2019. She has plenty of help, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219760' first='Megan' last='Bishton']</strong> returning in the middle<strong>, Katelyn Spengler</strong> on the left pin, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261289' first='Ella' last='Anderson']</strong> chasing down every ball on defense, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='223105' first='Addison' last='Baker']</strong> making a return at setter. If Liberty can win districts against crosstown rival Liberty North, they only need to win one more to reach Cape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->